I'm back - need help

Hi, all. I have been away from the message boards for years. My WLS was Dec 2001. I went from 340 lbs to 205 lbs in a year. Then I quit the message boards, quit taking care of myself, changed several depression meds, etc., etc. Now I weigh even more than before my surgery!  Can't remember half of what I am "supposed" to be doing! Resurgery is not an option. I need help getting back on track, please.

there is a back on track together board here on oh. click on groups and scroll down to it.

Did you get the information you need?  I know the anti-depression meds can really disrupt things when you have to change them.  I hope you're doing well with them now. 

Did you have a band or the RNY or which surgery?  I can't speak to any but the RNY, but if that's the one, just remember, your stomach is still smaller.  You will need to focus on your protein, water, vitamins, and exercise.  Really, at four years out I find for me that I just need to consider myself on a lifelong maintenance of high protein, water, vitamins, and 20 min. of exercise a day--pretty much what I've done all along to lose weight. 

I did read a book recently--Diet no More (or something like that) which addresses the brain chemistry changes that take place when you combine sugar, fat, and salt--and how the food industry tries to find the "bliss" point.   This combination actually makes you crave more of this combination.  So, if you can just start eliminating foods that combine sugar, fat, and salt, that could be a good start.

Good luck.

THank you! I did find the information useful. I didn't know about the sugar, fat, salt thing. Scary. I guess Kettle Korn is out then?? (kidding)

There used to be a sheet about when and how to drink your water on this site. I didn't find it. Did they take it off?

Do you do protein shakes? Which brand do you use? I do NOT look forward to going back on them!

Thank you!
Cindy

I forgot to tell you that my surgery was RNY. I never get hungry, except for head hunger. I can eat quite a bit of some foods and very little of others. I know that if I can just "use my tool," I will lose weight. I'm having difficulties with the head hunger, though---and the bad habits I've developed since leaving the message boards.

The title of that book is, "The End of Overeating: Taking Control of The Insatiable American Appetite."  I've just finished it and it made me aware of all the ways our food industry schemes to keep us craving (and buying) processed foods. 

I am recommending another book - "Normal Eating" because it addresses the emotional eating issues you describe.  (See link below.)  I am in the same place you are, but two and a half months ago, I decided to start "eating normally."  I've got a long way to go, but I have lost 26 pounds and it hasn't been hard.  (Really.)  I wish you the best!
Mary

http://www.amazon.com/Rules-Normal-Eating-Commonsense-Undereaters/dp/0936077212/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

Wasn't it an interesting book?  I wasn't surprised that companies work that hard to make us crave their products, but still dismayed by how good they are at it. 

Another interesting book is Beck's Diet Solution.  It focuses on behavior modification (a therapy model that has been successful with a variety of addictive behaviors).  It is useful for behavioral and thinking changes while working through some of the emotional issues and just our eating habits.

Thanks for the link.

I found it, thank you!

Hi,

One thing you can be sure of is that you are not alone.  Life sometimes sucks and instead of making good coping choices, we fall back to our old ways.  Facing those issues that put us off track takes alot of courage and can make us vulnerable but we must.  It will take fortitude.  So, here you have started.  Yippyyyy!!!  You have taken the first step.  You have acknowledged your need.  Sometimes we have to seek outside support.  Find a good support group or groups depending on your issues. 

I also am faced with a huge decision and my course of action will not be pleasant but I have to think of myself as being worthy of it and worth the effort.  I am!  I will!  I must! 

We are all in this journey together! 

Thank you, shoutjoy.

The major problem I have is that I have this unending neediness inside that I fill with food. I should have addressed that *before* the surgery. I am in therapy and trying to deal with my issues. Your advice about a local support group is a good one. I live in a small town in Wyoming but maybe I can find an OA group.

Sorry to hear about your difficult decision. You ARE worth it. Let me know if I can support you in any way.

Cindy